Having the right travel essentials is crucial to a good trip so I make sure to stock up on everything before I go. One of my favorite past times is perusing the “travel aisle” at Target but that can get expensive. So, I logged onto Amazon to see how many of these I could buy without throwing my trip budget out of whack. I set my cap at $10 per product but I found many items that were far less. Here are my top 10 travel essentials under $10 including 5 NEW items (we’re up to 18 now!). Originally posted 8/2018. Updated 3/2021.
10 Travel Essentials Under Ten Dollars
Here are 5 new travel essentials under $10!
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelette Singles
I’m the worst when it comes to taking off my makeup at night so I normally use a cleansing towelette to make the task less daunting. These Neutrogena makeup remover singles are so handy because you can grab a handful and drop them in the bottom of your makeup/travel bag and go. No need to pack bulky cleansers.
Price: $5.97
S&T INC. Always Off Reusable Makeup Remover cloths
For those who want to keep waste down to a minimum and help save the planet, consider these reusable makeup remover towels. You can use them with your favorite makeup remover or cleanser. These microfiber towels are durable, reusable, and machine washable.
Price: $6.99
Ontel Safe and Healthy UV-C Sanitizing Light
In the age of Covid, you can’t have too many sanitizing products. So, this nifty little UV sanitizing light might give you the extra protection you need. Use it on your phone, keys, doorknobs, faucet handles, etc. This would come in handy when staying in a hotel.
Price: $8.45
This product is great when you need to do a little laundry on the go. Use it on your reusable makeup remover cloth, your unmentionables, swimwear, etc and this will do the trick. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and TSA compliant.
Price: $9.92
Digital Luggage Scale Gift for Traveler Suitcase Handheld Weight Scale
Everyone should have a handheld luggage scale. Not only will it give you peace of mind while packing, but it’ll also save you time and money at the airport. No one wants to repack at the gate or pay overweight fees so weighing your luggage at home or on the go is perfect.
Price: $9.99
1.Sfee 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle 
Take one of these (empty) bottles with you through security and fill it up at the water fountain or in-flight. Ask the flight attendant to give you a few cups of whatever you’re drinking (we can’t fill up your bottle directly) and transfer it to your bottle. That way, you don’t have to worry about spilling that tiny cup while you’re sleeping, you don’t have to get up, or ring the Flight Attendant for service. Plus, once filled, this bottle won’t sweat so you can store it anywhere without worrying.
Price: $9.99
2.Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel bottles Set
I’m a sucker for a silicone travel bottle and this one comes with three pieces. The Kitdine set is small enough to fit in your plastic bag but big enough to hold what you need. Also, they’re also great in the shower because they provide a good grip.
Price: $8.99
3. Juvale 4-Pair Exfoliating Gloves
3. Traveling with a shower puff is frustrating because they take too long to dry and they can end up smelling like mildew. So, try these exfoliating shower gloves that are quick drying and easy to pack. They work up a good lather while gently exfoliating your skin. You can use these with body wash or soap sheets.
Price: $8.99
4. Travelon Toiletry Sheets Body Wash & Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets
It’s hard to carry body wash because there’s always the worry that it’ll spill in your bag. Instead, grab a bar of soap or these nifty soap sheets and you won’t have to think about it. They also make soap sheets for the laundry! These babies are convenient to carry and they save space in your carry-on for the good stuff (like all the crap you’re gonna buy on vacation!).
Price: $5.07 and $4.59
5. Quies Earplugs
No more suffering through loud airplane conversations, noisy hotel neighbors, or annoying construction. These wax earplugs will change your life. They’re better than those spongy earplugs because the wax softens and conforms to your ear canal creating a better seal. They also last a long time because you can reuse them. Note: Make sure you turn your alarm up and/or add the vibrate option or you may miss it.
Price: $8.50
6. Eye Mask for Sleeping 2 Pack
These molded eye masks are soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear for long periods. They’re also good for blocking out the light on those long-haul flights allowing you to rest better. No more worrying about your neighbor leaving their window shade open. Oddly enough, I sleep with my eyes half open sometimes so eye masks help me not freak people out!
Price: $9.65
7. Waffle Open Toe Adult Slippers Cloth Spa Hotel Unisex Slippers for Women and Men
7. Yes, it’s fine to take your shoes off on the plane but, honestly, no one wants to see (or smell your feet). Pack a pair of disposable slippers for the trip and you can wear them on the airplane with socks, around your hotel room, or in your vacation rental. Pro Traveler Tip: Put your shoes (or slippers) on before going to the lavatory… that’s NOT water on the floor.
Price: $6.95
8. Packing Organizer Bra Underwear Storage Bag Travel Lingerie Pouch Toiletry Organizer
Some people swear by packing cubes but I haven’t really taken to them. However, something like this is perfect because you can put your “unmentionables” inside and if you’re searched by TSA your private things won’t fall out! You can pack anything that you want to keep separate or safe in this nifty storage bag.
Price: $9.76
9. Zoppen Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Holder Cover Slim Id Card Case
A good thing to do when you travel is to keep your passport in a safe place. Not only do you want to make sure you know where it is, but you also need to make sure it doesn’t get damaged. Did you know that the airlines can deny boarding for a damaged passport? Well, they can. So, keep your passport, travel docs, money, and credit cards safe in this RFID blocking passport holder.
Price: $9.99
10. FMAB Travel Pillow, Inflatable Travel and Neck Pillow
The best thing about this pillow is that it’s inflatable so it takes much less space than a normal travel pillow. It also has a great carrying case so you can attach it to the outside of your bag for even more space. The velvet is soft and the raised “neck cradle” gives your head a bit more stability for maximum comfort.
Price: $7.99
Here are 3 newly added travel essentials under $10
11. Mini Refillable Perfume Bottles
These are some of my favorite things to use when traveling. I like to carry perfume but, as you know, you can’t bring your huge bottle on the airplane and why would you want to. Pick up a pack of these and you can bring more than one type of scent. You can also fill them with your favorite makeup setting spray, hydrating spray, makeup remover, whatever works with an atomizer.
Price: $7.20
12. Makeup Bag with Mirror, Pencil Case, and Makeup Brush Pouch
12. This nifty little bag holds a lot but it doesn’t take up much space. Store your brushes, sponges, makeup, face creams, eyelash curlers, and more. Since everything is one bag, this is a great way to do a touchup before landing or while you’re out on the town.
Price: $8.99
13: Forge TSA Lock With Open Alert Indicator
Give yourself peace of mind with one of these TSA locks for your luggage. The good thing about these is that TSA can open the locks with a universal code but that’s it. No one else has access. *I would suggest not putting any valuable items in your luggage, ever. But, it’s a nice feeling knowing that there’s an extra layer of security for the things you’d like to keep safe, even if it’s just your underwear!
Price: $6.95
Wrap Up:
I never leave home without my favorite items because they make traveling a breeze. I hope these 10 travel essentials under $10 will help you save some money and be more comfortable on your next trip. Check out some of my other FAVORITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS and be sure to pin this for later! Originally posted 8/2018. Updated on 3/15/2021.
